From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, July 29, 2013 3:53 p.m. CST

I hope you had time to visit the Bureau County 4-H Fair this past week. Many 4-H members from Bureau County exhibited hundreds of projects during this annual event, and if you visited the fair, I’m sure you were as impressed as I was.

Four-H has changed a lot from a bazillion years ago when I was a member — more projects, a more in-depth opportunity for learning, increased interaction with the judges ... lots of important aspects that 4-H members will be able to adapt to their future endeavors.

On the flip side of the coin, 4-H still has many similarities that have traveled with the organization throughout the years — the ability for young people to learn about a variety of subjects, a hands-on approach to learning, teamwork, respect and more. That’s admirable.

If you know a 4-H member, I hope you’ll ask him/her to tell you about their 4-H Fair experiences. And remember, 4-H members wouldn’t succeed without the adults in their lives who give so much time, energy and understanding to that success. Blue ribbons, red ribbons, white ribbons ... it doesn’t matter. The 4-H members and those who support them are all winners in my book.

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So what’s the BigDeal? The Bureau County Republican offers you — our readers — an opportunity to save some cash on a variety of deals from area merchants. Get your coupons for these BigDeals! on our website at www.bcrnews.com. Following are this week’s BigDeals!

• Enjoy $20 of delicious homemade comfort food for only $10 at Moreno’s on Main in McNabb. Go hungry because Moreno’s on Main will fill you up. You’re sure to enjoy this meal!

• Get a 20-punch fitness card (good for land, water and spin classes only) for only $50 at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. You won’t want to pass this BigDeal! up, since it’s regularly priced at $100.

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On Saturday, we ran two photos of the contestants vying for Little Miss Bureau County Fair. On Page 2 in today’s BCR are the Junior Miss Bureau County Fair contestants, and in Thursday’s BCR, we’ll publish the Miss Bureau County Fair Queen contestants along with a brief interview with each one. The Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant is an event you won’t want to miss on Sunday at Princeton High School. If you’ve never attended one of these pageants, it’s really quite enjoyable, and I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Thought for the day: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison.

Thought for tomorrow: Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.” Virginia Satir.

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Women of Distinction: Thursday at 5 p.m. is the deadline for submitting a nomination for Illinois Valley Living’s Women of Distinction Award. You can find a nomination form at www.illinoisvalleyliving.com or you can stop by office at 800 Ace Road in Princeton and ask for one at our front desk. This award is meant for those women who go the extra mile to make life better for others. We all know a Woman of Distinction. Why not nominate her today! Questions? Give me a call at 815-875-4461, ext. 229.

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Just a reminder: If your garden is overflowing with fresh produce, don’t forget your elderly neighbors. They would love a fresh taste from your garden. Also, your area food pantry will be happy to share your fresh produce with those who are down on their luck. Just a thought!

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Have you seen a copy of our Summer 2013 Illinois Valley Living?

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August is just around the corner, and before long, area children will be headed back to school. Take some now to make some memories. There are all kinds of things to do that don’t cost a dime but can generate memories for years to come. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.